Fireflies Beat All Stars for Princess Pro Final Showdown

Sparks flew as Eurolux Fireflies beat log-leaders the Jewel Africa All Stars 5-3 in Cape Town on Friday to determine the finalists for the 2013 Princess Pro Series, which will be a rematch showdown for honours in the ladies showdown on Sunday.

The Fireflies forced their way into the final with a 5-3 win over the All Stars, after leading 3-0 at half-time. Goals from Cloe Pheiffers, Robyn Morgan, Paula Dollman and Shanaaz Solomons gave the Fireflies a commanding lead early in the second half, before Daleen-Marie Steyn and Quanita Bobbs put the All Stars on the board.

Another goal from Stacey West restored the Fireflies’ three-goal lead, before young prodigy Taryn Glasby pulled one more back with two minutes to play.

The All Stars needed to protect their goal difference, as the Maidens went into the final match needing a win by three goals over Team Strikers to sneak past them into the final.

Both teams had a rather makeshift look to them, as several players were unavailable due to the long weekend. Both teams felt each other out for much of the first half before an excellent strike from Ashleigh Ratcliffe gave the Maidens the lead, nine minutes before the half-time break.

After two and a half matches without a goal, there was an understandable celebration as Chantelle Brits found the net with a drag flick from a penalty corner.

The match looked headed for a showdown to determine the winner when the Maidens conceded an own goal, as a strong hit from outside the circle was deflected into the goal by a defender.

The Strikers were now in full cry, and Kim-Lee Abrahams scored in the final minute to seal a 3-1 win for the Strikers.

The result means that these two teams will meet again in the third place play-off on Sunday while the All Stars and the Fireflies play in the final.

(With editing by gsport)